MOUNT DORA

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a deadly crash Friday morning. The crash happened around 6:38 a.m. on North Orange Blossom Trail near Willow Street, near Mount Dora. Watch: Tropical Depression 9 forms in Caribbean, could impact FloridaThe southbound lanes of North Orange Blossom were shut down as troopers worked to investigate the crash. Read: Florida deputy killed in hit-and-run crash; search for suspect underwayChannel 9 has a crew working to gather more details and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Edible Orlando and Walt Disney World are bringing back their Field to Feast event for an eighth year.

A former miniature golf course in Mount Dora will go from being run down to the new home of CREATE Conservatory, a nonprofit school in Lake County.

A British royal-inspired restaurant is flooded with customers the day after the queen of England passed away to pay their respects and to reflect on the life she lived.

Scott’s Maze Adventure in Mount Dora released a photo of its 7-acre corn field that now resembles a pirate adventure.

A man accused of leading law enforcement on a chase and shootout in Mount Dora is now facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his father, who was considered missing and endangered in Volusia County, according to the sheriff’s office.

Federal investigators claim five men arrested for their involvement in the riot on Capitol Hill were members of a militia group that held beliefs aligned with Three Percenters.

The Florida Highwaymen are known for turning paintings of Florida landscapes quickly and selling them from $5 to $25 in the southern region during the Jim Crow era at offices along highways in the 1950s and 60s.

A suspect of five armed robberies in Lake County was arrested on Tuesday, and he may be the suspect wanted in an active homicide investigation, according to the Lake County Sheriffs Office.

Video: Electricity bill prices are expected to go up for Mount Dora residents, officials say Mount Dora residents will see higher prices reflected on their next electricity bill. (WFTV)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora residents will see higher prices reflected on their next electricity bill. The city said skyrocketing natural gas prices are responsible for a $38 jump, as natural gas is used to produce electricity. People who live in Mount Dora said this price increase makes a big difference in their lives, especially with inflation. Mount Dora resident Robert Harris said staying cool in the heat is not easy.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The city of Daytona Beach has agreed to settle a lawsuit, filed by a performer known as “The Naked Cowboy.”WATCH: Questions raised over permit for Mount Dora medical marijuana plant producing ‘atrocious smell’Daytona Beach police arrested the man, whose real name is Robert Burck, during Daytona Bike Week 2021. Officers said he was violating the city’s panhandling ordinance. READ: President Joe Biden to travel to Orlando next weekBurck argued the ordinance was unconstitutional. The $90,0000 settlement that the city agreed to Wednesday night does not include repealing the ordinance or admitting any fault. WATCH: Record-high rent forcing teachers into tough choicesClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

VIDEO: Questions raised over permit for Mount Dora medical marijauana plant producing ‘atrocious smell’ Questions raised over permit for Mount Dora medical marijuana plant producing ‘atrocious smell’MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora residents are growing more frustrated by a medical marijuana facility in their neighborhood. READ: ‘Deplorable’: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks outNearby homeowners are sharing their frustration, too. “The atrocious smell (is) getting worse and worse every day,” Mount Dora resident Ashley Mazur said. READ: Investigation provides insight into Mount Dora police chief’s sudden resignationA county spokesperson said they were advised by the county attorney not to speak on pending matters under review. READ: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperworkCuraleaf is the second-largest medical marijuana producer in Florida, with one of 22 state licenses.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The man accused of killing his father and dumping his body near an Orange County Lake is expected to go before a judge Friday morning. Jonny Santiago, 18, of Deltona, is charged with the murder of his father, 52-year-old Juan Santiago. Juan Santiago had not been seen since Sunday when he flew from New York to Florida to check on his son Jonny. The sheriff’s office’s helicopter then chased him to Mount Dora, where he crashed into a synagogue before getting into a shootout with deputies. According to the family, they were able to access GPS data for Santiago’s truck on his wife’s phone.

A body found in an Orange County lake Thursday was identified as the father of an 18-year-old man accused of shooting at law enforcement in Mount Dora, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.

Since June 1 we have only had three days with a normal daytime high. We had one day, June 4, when we were below normal. Every other day, all 42 of them, have been hotter than normal.

Lake County Sheriff's Office released bodycam footage that showed a Mount Dora shootout between Deltona man and police. The incident resulted in no injuries to...

An 18-year-old man accused of shooting at law enforcement after a chase that ended in Mount Dora has been booked into the Orange County jail, records show.

A crash along Interstate 95 closed down southbound lanes along the highway Wednesday evening, according to the Florida Department of Transportation’s “Florida 511″ system.

Start off your morning right on National Mac and Cheese Day by eating... well, mac and cheese.

A boy was injured following a shooting in Orlando Wednesday, according to police.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office released body camera and dashcam video Thursday of a shootout between law enforcement and a man wanted out of Volusia County, according to investigators.

WATCH: Dashcam video shows intense shootout between deputies, man accused of killing father (WFTV)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Video of a shootout between Lake County deputies and a man believed to have killed his father before leading authorities on a chase that ended in Mount Dora has been released. Deputies said they took 18-year-old Jonny Santiago into custody on their third try in Mount Dora after a multi-county chase that began when he allegedly shot his father, Juan Santiago. READ: Homicide suspect, 18, arrested after multi-county pursuit ends with crash into Mount Dora synagogueSee the video footage. WATCH: Dashcam video shows intense shootout between deputies, man accused of killing father (WFTV)“The entire family is completely destroyed,” attorney Brian Pakett said. READ: Fleeing homicide suspect crashed into building, shot by police multiple times in Lake CountyFamily members said the 18-year-old was heading to college this fall on a football scholarship.

A woman was struck and killed by a train in Titusville, according to the police department.

VIDEO: Investigators looking for man possibly killed by son, 18, before crashing into synagogue Investigators looking for man possibly killed by son, 18, before crashing into synagogue, Fla. — An 18-year-old involved in a multicounty chase is believed to have killed his father before opening fire on deputies and crashing into a Mount Dora synagogue. On Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff said the teenage son and his dad were heard arguing on the phone before a shot went off and the line went dead. The investigation began in Deltona Sunday night at a home at East Lehigh Drive and Normandy Boulevard. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Santiago is not saying anything to them about what happened or where his father might be. VIDEO: Homicide suspect, 18, arrested after multi-county pursuit ends with crash into Mount Dora synagogue Homicide suspect, 18, arrested after multi-county pursuit ends with crash into Mount Dora synagogueClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A community came together to help rebuild a local synagogue after it was caught in the middle of a high-speed chase in which a shooting suspect crashed into the building.

Video: Deputies ID man, 18, accused of getting into shootout with law enforcement, crashing into synagogueMOUNT DORA, Fla. — Deputies said an 18-year-old on the run from the law crashed into a synagogue on Monday. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said that Johnny Santiago, 18, was originally involved in a suspicious incident with his father, Juan Santiago, in Deltona. READ: Fleeing homicide suspect crashed into building, shot by police multiple times in Lake CountyA shootout ensued. PHOTOS: Fleeing homicide suspect crashed into building, shot by police multiple times in Lake CountyJuan Santiago is missing as of Tuesday afternoon. Deputies do not know the father’s condition or if Johnny Santiago has anything to do with his disappearance.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A crime spree spanning three counties came to an end in Mount Dora on Monday. “He began shooting from the driver’s side of his vehicle at the deputies and the Mount Dora police officer, at which time they returned fire,” a deputy told Channel 9. Volusia County deputies said the suspect was involved in a domestic violence incident but released limited details. Mount Dora shooting (WFTV.com News Staff)“They are certain that this is the vehicle that they were looking for in connection with their incident,” a deputy said. Mount Dora shooting (WFTV.com News Staff)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

VIDEO: Homicide suspect, 18, arrested after multi-county pursuit ends with crash into Mount Dora synagogue Homicide suspect, 18, arrested after multi-county pursuit ends with crash into Mount Dora synagogueMOUNT DORA, Fla. — A pursuit that spanned three Central Florida counties ended with an 18-year-old being arrested. It all started in Seminole and Volusia counties after an 18-year-old suspect was involved in a domestic shooting at a home in Volusia County. READ: Fleeing homicide suspect crashed into building, shot by police multiple times in Lake CountyA three county car chase ended in Mount Dora today. LCSO said a homicide suspect from Volusia County shot at deputies before and after crashing into a synagogue. The suspect faces three attempted murder charges in addition to the homicide charges Volusia County deputies wanted him for.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — An officer-involved shooting is under investigation in Mount Dora. The police department said officers shot a suspect several times at 9th Avenue and Donnelly Street, but the person hasn’t been identified. Volusia County officials confirmed the subject in the vehicle was involved in an officer-involved shooting in Lake County. Officials in Volusia County said the truck was connected to a search of a house in Deltona. *UPDATE*Late this afternoon, the subject in this vehicle fled from law enforcement, crashed and was involved in an officer-involved shooting in Lake County.

It was a regular Sunday morning at Mount Dora's Palm Island Park until a 10-foot alligator was spotted on the trail with what they believe...

Man bitten by an alligator he thought was a dog The alligator was over 7 feet in length. MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Mount Dora Police Department said that Palm Island Park had been temporarily closed because of an aggressive alligator. It’s currently alligator mating season here in Florida and officials warn residents to take extra care while experiencing Florida’s waterways. Most alligator mating takes place in May and June, with nesting in late June and July. You can report any alligator concerns by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Nearly one day after Palm Island Park temporarily closed due to an “aggressive alligator,” the Mount Dora Police Department said the park reopened Monday morning.

VIDEO: ‘Deplorable’: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out ‘Deplorable’: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks outMOUNT DORA, Fla. — A man who was Tased by a Mount Dora Police Sergeant is only talking to Eyewitness News. READ: 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora officer who used Taser on driverIn September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. READ: Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police departmentWe went to City Hall today, to ask the City Manager about his plans to have an outside against investigate this and other incidents 9-investigates has exposed. Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperworkThe statement by City Manager Patrick Comiskey reads: The City of Mount Dora is actively seeking external assistance in a third-party review of cases that were recently brought to my attention. VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation showsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A recent land sale is showing signs of movement for a long-awaited development in Mount Dora and Lake County.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The state rejected a funding request that the Orange-Osceola state attorney said could have helped with an employee shortage. The cost of daycare for one child can cost a parent at least $1,000 a month, but the new daycare would have cost the state attorney employees less than $300 a month. State Attorney Monique Worrell, a mom, showed Channel 9 where her office had grand plans outlined in a proposal to make room for an employee daycare. We have a difficult time hiring and retaining individuals because of the low pay that we’re able to offer,” Worrell said. Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperworkIn addition to funding, Worrell said the office also needs the county to approve renovations to that space.

VIDEO: 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora officer who used Taser on driver 9 Investigates report leads to investigation into Mount Dora officer who used Taser on driverMOUNT DORA, Fla. — A driver was Tased by a Mount Dora police officer during a traffic stop while still behind the wheel of a running car. 9 Investigates has learned that is against department policy, but there was no investigation until our team started asking questions. The deputy police chief and the police chief signed off on the report without initiating an internal investigation of the case. READ: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperworkOn Thursday, Channel 9 found that’s all changed and the department will be investigating because we started asking questions. Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — 9 Investigates has learned more about why the Mount Dora police chief suddenly resigned last week. READ: Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police departmentThe officer and his supervisor never arrested the driver for suspicion of DUI, opting for an easier charge because they didn’t want to do the paperwork involved. The chief told Channel 9 last month that he never saw the video until Channel 9 investigative reporter Daralene Jones raised questions. They’re investigating whether Meade was forced out under pressure because Meade said he refused to violate internal affairs procedures. Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report.

VIDEO: Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police department Mount Dora residents pack meeting to discuss controversies surrounding police departmentMOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora residents are packing a meeting to voice their concerns about issues 9 Investigates has uncovered, which led to the chief’s departure. Police Chief Brett Meade launched a review of the incident after Channel 9′s investigative team started asking questions. The biggest question residents will likely want answered at Tuesday’s meeting is why the city can’t keep a police chief. Krystal Beasley, an employee with the Mount Dora Police Department for seven years, said she was adamant during an interview with internal investigators that she never violated department policy. Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report.

Video: Police search for men shooting people with airsoft guns in downtown Mount Dora The man was hit in the face but wasn’t seriously hurt. (WFTV)MOUNT DORA, Fla, — Mount Dora police are warning residents about people shooting strangers with airsoft guns. The man was hit in the face but wasn’t seriously hurt. Police said men in a blue Honda CRV shot at two groups of people Friday while they were walking downtown. Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7130.

The Mount Dora Police Department on Saturday said it was investigating reports of people being shot at in downtown Mount Dora that day and the previous night by men in moving cars with airsoft guns.

After little more than a year in his current position, Mount Dora's police chief is resigning.

Mount Dora police 9 Investigates is reporting ongoing turmoil within the Mount Dora Police Department tied to the retirement of its last chief of police. (WFTV.com News Staff)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. “Serving the citizens of Mount Dora has been an honor and highlight of my 40-year professional career,” Meade said in the news release. “The Mount Dora Police Department is on a stable course and I am honored to serve with men and women so dedicated to serving our community.”READ: Man slammed into car window by Mount Dora officer stunned to learn incident wasn’t investigatedMeade has served with the Mount Dora Police Department since last year. READ: Report notes ‘toxic’ environment at Mount Dora PD: What’s being done to change thatVideo: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report.

Video: Records: Mount Dora officers arrested suspected drunk drivers on lesser charges to avoid paperwork The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. (WFTV)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The Mount Dora police chief has sent a directive to his officers, following a 9 Investigates report. Effective immediately, the Mount Dora police chief wrote in an email Channel 9 obtained, stating that if probable cause exists to charge a suspect with DUI, that arrest is a priority. “If there’s reasonable belief or probable cause to make a DUI arrest, guess what, we make an arrest; doesn’t matter how long the paperwork takes,” Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade said. But that time-consuming paperwork was an issue for the officers who encountered Rutledge, passed out in his parked car.

A middle school student was arrested after bringing a loaded gun to campus on Friday, according to Lake County Schools.

Mount Dora police takedown The Mount Dora police chief is reviewing body camera footage of a takedown to see if procedures were followed or if discipline is necessary. MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Christopher Rutledge said he knew his rights the day he encountered Lake County paramedics and Mount Dora police. “I almost felt like I was being kidnapped because I was like, ‘I’m good,’” Rutledge told Channel 9 investigative reporter Daralene Jones. Video: Mount Dora police body camera footage shows takedown during traffic stop The Mount Dora police chief is reviewing body camera footage of a takedown to see if procedures were followed or discipline is necessary. Rutledge said he didn’t realize Mount Dora police never investigated the officer.

The weekend festival celebrating Lake County’s blueberry industry will be held April 23-24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Donnelly Park.

Two employees at the Curaleaf medical marijuana dispensary in Mount Dora are accused of stealing pounds of product from the store over a matter of months.

A missing 78-year-old man with Alzheimer’s last seen in Mount Dora was found safe Tuesday, police said.

Stolen Batman comics Mount Dora police looking for man who stole more than $300 worth of comic books (wftv.com)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora police is asking for the public’s help in solving a crime, and you don’t need fancy gadgets or a Batmobile to do so. Police are looking for a man who stole several Batman comic books from Treasure Marts, 2728 W. Old U.S. Highway 441, on Feb. 18, according to police. READ: Orlando-based JetBlue pilot removed from cockpit ahead of takeoff for being drunk, officials sayThe store owners told Channel 9 the suspect frequents the open-air flea market and stole more than 10 comic books totaling more than $300. READ: Alan Ladd Jr., who won Oscar for ‘Braveheart,’ greenlighted ‘Star Wars,’ dead at 84Anyone with information is asked to contact Mount Dora police at 352-735-7121. ©2022 Cox Media Group

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A former Mount Dora city councilman is facing charges for allegedly removing trees from a historic African American Civil War cemetery, according to a Lake County arrest affidavit. Mount Dora police met with a homeowners association board member in refence to a homeowner later identified as Rowlett. Orange County deputies search for missing teenRowlett admitted to detectives that he removed and destroyed trees in an African American Civil War historic cemetery, and that there were two tin grave markers under the refuge from the company that he hired to cut and remove the trees. Rowlett also told police he hired a tree company to remove the trees to keep them falling onto his home. City officials told him the trees do not belong to them and they were part of the HOA for the Country Club of Mount Dora.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The 47th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival is underway this weekend. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: Mount Dora Arts Festival, Mardi Gras at Universal and moreThe event was scaled back last year because of the pandemic, with only half as many artists as normal. This year, organizers said about 275 artists are involved. READ: USDA sets new rules for school lunchesThe festival will also feature food trucks and entertainment. Officials said bicycles, skateboards, and pets - except for certified service dogs - are not allowed past the festival entrance.

The festival will start on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and run through Sunday, Feb. 6., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mount Dora High School has raised enough funds to rebuild its football stadium, according to the district.

When Kathryn Wilgus returned from her service as a combat nurse in Afghanistan, she experienced challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. The Navy veteran did not have

Some police departments in Central Florida are rolling out “burglar boxes” as a way to discard of gift wrap and product packaging without letting potential thieves see it first.

Nelson Torres Mount Dora man arrested after being found at Dairy Queen with missing child, 2 others (City of Mount Dora/City of Mount Dora)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A man is facing charges after investigators say they found him at Dairy Queen with three children who weren’t his. Police responded to Spring Harbor Apartments in reference to a report of a missing child. Witnesses who were on scene told officers the child was last seen leaving the apartments in a vehicle with two friends and an unknown adult male. A parent of the missing child made contact with their juvenile-aged child, who told parents that the three of them were in a Dairy Queen drive-thru with a guy from the apartments, police said. He was transported to Lake County Jail and is being charged with interference with child custody.

Mount Dora Christmas bell Since 1973, Mount Dora utility workers have hung the same Christmas bell atop a light pole at the intersection of Clayton Street and Third Avenue. (Mount Dora History Museum)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Since 1973, Mount Dora utility workers have hung the same Christmas bell atop a light pole at the intersection of Clayton Street and Third Avenue. According to the Mount Dora History Museum, the bell was first hung for a little girl with epilepsy, named Melanie Mae Wise. The museum said she loved to drive around with her parents, Fred and June Wise, around town to look at the Christmas decorations. When she could no longer do that, Art Womble, Mount Dora utilities director, decided to hang the decoration on the utility pole outside her home for her to enjoy.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — People in Mount Dora are still looking for answers one year after someone shot and killed a husband and wife inside their small market. Startling surveillance video from that night shows a masked gunman inside the T & N Market barking orders just before he opened fire on the owners. Even though the owners, “Ken” Trinh and “Tina” Nguyen, seemed to comply, the gunman still opened fire and killed the couple. The store just reopened Tuesday for the first time in a year under new ownership. READ: Second victim in Mount Dora convenience store shooting dies, suspect still soughtThere is still a $10,000 reward being offered for information that leads to the killer.

Tuesday marks one year since the shooting that killed the couple who owned T&N Market in Mount Dora.

Mount Doral Police ask for the public's help to find missing man, John Ryals, 43.

Voters in Mount Dora will cast their ballots Tuesday for who will lead the city for the next two years.

Residents in Lake County will head to the polls in early November to vote in several races including Mount Dora mayor, Mount Dora city council and Tavares city council.

The indigenous people who called America home before Europeans settled on the land still have a presence here.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Mount Dora man died in a crash late Wednesday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Just before midnight, troopers said a 44-year-old man was eastbound on State Road 46 near Carroll Street when he left the roadway and overturned. They said the man was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. READ: Deputies: Florida toddlers drown in neighbor’s swimming pool after grandmother reports them missingSee a map of the scene below:READ: Police: Father beat 12-year-old, left him in laundry room to dieREAD: Police deny claims that DNA didn’t match Brian Laundrie’s remainsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Mount Dora is about to get conspicuously mellow once again as the Florida Cannabis Festival returns in early November. For a second year, Renninger's Twin...

Over 400 vendors will take over the historic streets of downtown Mount Dora this weekend as part of a popular annual festival.

Less than 12 hours after watching The Villages High School football team dismantle Leesburg in the first-ever meeting between the two neighbors, I ventured out to where it all begins.

Catching gator: A Florida man used a trash bin to capture an alligator at his Mount Dora home. (Bob D'Angelo/Cox Media Group)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — In Florida, capturing an alligator is apparently as easy as taking out the trash. An Army veteran in Central Florida, however, was able to use a trash bin to corral the gator, who had wandered onto his yard in Mount Dora. As Malik approaches the alligator with the 95-gallon, rollable trash bin, the reptile stands its ground at first. Malik then shoves the bin forward and the gator thrashes inside the bin as the man tips the receptacle into an upright position.

The incident occurred Sept. 14 when the suspects began harassing customers, asking for monetary donations for an alleged youth basketball league, which police discovered to be fraudulent.

Through a celebration of courage, dozens came out to see the brand-new sculpture of Mabel Norris Reese.

Mabel Norris Reese A bronze portrait of a Lake County journalist acclaimed for her reporting on the Groveland Four case will be unveiled in Mount Dora on Friday. (Mount Dora)LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A bronze portrait of a Lake County journalist acclaimed for her reporting on the Groveland Four case will be unveiled in Mount Dora on Friday. The event scheduled for 10 a.m. at Sunset Park, called “A Celebration of Courage,” will honor journalist Mabel Norris Reese. McCall also launched a rival newspaper to challenge Reese’s Mount Dora Topic. READ: ‘A very worthwhile journey’: Groveland Four monument unveiled in Lake CountyFunding Reese project began with donations from across the country through GoFundMe, and continued with grants from the Mount Dora Public Arts Commission, Mount Dora Community Trust, and other personal contributions.

A man who was released from prison two weeks ago is accused of robbing an 85-year-old woman at knifepoint, according to the Mount Dora Police Department.

What we're talking about here is Orlando's best tiny restaurants, where you can feel the heat from the kitchen, the tables are crammed too close together, and you can overhear every conversation from nearby tables. These Orlando restaurants may be small, but the flavor they serve on a daily basis is anything but.

Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Business owners in Mount Dora, Winter Garden and elsewhere across Central Florida said they had a strong summer season, closing in on levels last seen in 2019. Lot of people coming out, some locals, but a lot of out-of-towners.”Ganung’s experience matches reports by Visit Florida. The tourism agency’s Q2 report said domestic travelers had exceeded 2019 levels, but international travel was still down. #ICYMI: @VISITFLORIDA’s marketing helped deliver skyrocketing growth for Florida tourism in the second quarter of 2021, including a 6% increase from 2019 domestic visitation. Despite the statewide unemployment average increasing throughout the summer, unemployment rates in local counties dropped between June and July 2021, according to state labor statistics.

After shifting to virtual learning for several weeks, the sixth-grade class at Round Lake Charter School returned to campus Monday.

A man wanted for attempted murder in Apopka was last seen in Mount Dora, according to police.

Round Lake Charter School in Mount Dora announced Monday that it is quarantining its entire sixth-grade class due to an influx of COVID-19 cases and will continue classes virtually for the next couple of weeks, officials said.

T&N Market is on sale, once a community store is now the site of a painful reminder of a double homicide that took place last year.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Firefighters are battling a house fire in Mount Dora. Just after 3 a.m., Orange County Fire Rescue was called to a home on Clayton Street due to the flames. Video from the scene shows flames and smoke shooting out of the roof. It is not known if anyone was hurt in the blaze. Check back and watch Eyewitness News for live updates.

A person may be fined for loud music when driving through Mount Dora after the passing of a new noise ordinance.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora firefighters have been on a social media blitz trying to save a dozen jobs that could be cut at the end of the year. READ: Orange County Fire Rescue’s budget includes 4 new fire stations, training facilityMount Dora firefighters sent out a petition to the community, asking for support after they say the city was going to cut their staff. The petition reads: “The City of Mount Dora is pursuing the elimination of 12 firefighter positions from your fire department. Going from 36 firefighters, down to 24 firefighters.”READ: Orange County deputy married to man facing Capitol riot charges cleared in internal investigationThis would cut the services provided to citizens by a third, firefighters said. READ: IRS to issue more refunds to those who overpaid taxes on unemployment compensation©2021 Cox Media Group

An 18-year-old man from Mount Dora was killed in a single-vehicle crash

After a lengthy hiatus during the pandemic, the Modernism Museum in downtown Mount Dora is fully reopening its doors to the general public. The unique...

June 1 marks a historic day for residents of Mount Dora in Lake County as city council members signed a new proclamation formally recognizing June as LGBTQIA Pride month.

A man was hospitalized on Friday after being shot multiple times, according to the Mount Dora Police Department.

Mount Dora considering changes to building height restrictions (WFTV)MOUNT DORA, Fla. — The face of downtown Mount Dora could change under a new proposal. The little town along Lake Dora has drawn visitors from all over, drawn by its quaint charm. Under a new proposal, the town leaders are considering allowing other buildings to also exceed the current height restrictions. READ: Tropical disturbances emerge near Texas, Bermuda ahead of hurricane seasonDenise Sendry moved to Mount Dora from Miami with her husband, and says she likes downtown the way it is. A town hall is scheduled for June 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Center.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Mount Dora priest was reunited with her guide dog Thursday after the company that trained the dog reclaimed it from her without warning. Reverend Susan Blake has been visually impaired since birth. READ: Ocoee nursing home residents able to hug loved ones for first time in 15 monthsBlake says a worker from Southeastern Guide Dogs came to her home in March, unannounced, and took the dog, named Didi. Eyewitness News cameras were there Thursday as Blake was reunited with Didi after a preliminary order by a judge. Blake says the dog was taken care of and claims the company hadn’t even contacted her in more than a year before showing up at her home to take the dog.

On Tuesday night, Mount Dora City Council voted 5-1 to approve the development of a $50 million project next to historic downtown.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a 95-year-old man who went missing on Sunday.

Winter Park's regional superchain Foxtail Coffee Co. is getting even bigger. The company just announced two more locations in Mount Dora, bringing the total number...

Interim Police Chief Brett Meade has been appointed as the new Police Chief for the city of Mount Dora.

Firefighters battled a blaze sparked by a lightning strike Sunday at a home in Mount Dora, according to officials.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Mount Dora police responded to reports of a drive-by shooting Friday afternoon in which two individuals exchanged gunfire, officials with the department said. The shooting happened at Lincoln Avenue and Clayton Street, where shell casings were found in the road, police said, however, no victims have been found. [TRENDING: Woman arrested in hit-run involving sheriff | Gov: Fla. won’t require ‘vaccine passports’ | Girl missing for weeks]AdPolice are looking for a black Honda vehicle that was last seen heading toward U.S. 441. Authorities are also looking for a Black male wearing a red shirt who was seen running from the area. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Mount Dora police.

click image Photo courtesy Mount Dora Arts Center/FacebookIt's not going to look like this in 2021The massively popular Mount Dora Arts Festival is returning for its 46th year this weekend. The free annual festival — though you really should buy something — will be taking over the historic district of Mount Dora outdoors Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Expect to see art across all media — from clay to metalwork to photography and everything in between — as well as food trucks and live entertainment.This year's event is going to look a lot different than in previous years. Organizers have pared down the number of exhibiting artists to around 130 to make for a "smaller footprint," and artist booths will be spaced 10 feet apart with physical distancing in mind.Masks are required at this event, and sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the area.

Its good to see guests coming in and doing it responsibly, said Joshua Jungferman, owner of Pisces Rising, a restaurant in Mount Dora. On Wednesday, May 20, the duo dined in for breakfast at Cheesers Palace Caf in downtown Clermont. The climate is much different than it ever used to be, but were rolling with the punches, Walsh said. Additionally, Walshs staff is sanitizing all surfaces on a normal basis and dividers aka clear shower curtains have been hung between some of the tables inside. In return, Jungferman said what hes noticed is that customers, though some are not wearing masks, are being cautious about keeping their distance.